Description

The Neonatal Nursing Association of Southern Africa (NNASA) together with The Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) are hosting the 7th International Conference for Neonatal Nurses (ICNN) at the ICC in Durban, South Africa, on 24-27th October 2010. This will be a groundbreaking conference and we aim to attract thousands of neonatal professionals from around the globe to come and share our vision.
COINN was established following the 5th International Neonatal Nurses Conference in Ottowa, Canada, in 2004. The conferences are held every three years. COINNâ€™s membership consists of national neonatal nursing associations including South Africa and Kenya. They also have 40 affiliate members/contacts â€“ many in developing countries e.g. Russia, Liberia, Pakistan etc.
The Unicef target MDG 4 aims for a 66% reduction in under-five mortality. More than 38% of these deaths occur in the neonatal period and half of these occur within the first week. 99% of neonatal deaths arise in low and middle income countries, particularly in sub- Saharan Africa.

In the light of this, NNASA was keen to bring the International Neonatal Nurses Conference to southern Africa with the following objectives:
â€¢ To highlight neonatal care in the region
â€¢ To provide the opportunity for African delegates to attend an international conference of this nature
â€¢ To promote neonatal nursing as a specialty
â€¢ To highlight the fact that neonatal nurses are professionals who need to be part of the debate regarding policy
â€¢ To encourage the formation of national neonatal nursing associations and membership thereof
â€¢ To promote international communication
â€¢ To showcase neonatal care given within South Africa through hospital visits in the area
â€¢ To reward excellence

Our theme â€œExcellence against all odds â€“ Researching solutions for global challengesâ€ reflects the aim of all neonatal nurses to constantly give of their best in their pursuit of excellence in patient care. The conference will support this by offering pre-conference skills workshops and a comprehensive scientific progamme of local and international presenters who will equip delegates with knowledge of the latest research and practice to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based neonatal care.